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Hi I'm Ryan

I'm from Orem, UT, and I'm a Mormon.

About Me

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I'm the oldest of four, and family means a lot to me. I also like to reading, cooking, and hiking in the mountains. When I'm done with my mission I'm going to school to become a Mechanical Engineer because I love math and science. I like building things, too, and that is how I got my Eagle Scout award a few years ago.

Why I am a Mormon

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Although I grew up in the church and have been blessed with a legacy of faithful members and pioneers on both sides of my family, I have truly gained a testimony of the truthfullness of this church through the Spirit. I had my doubts and struggles, just like everyone does, but they can't outweigh the peace and assurity that I know I've felt come from our Heavenly Father. I still remember that night when I was reading the Book of Mormon in my room and an overwhelming calmness came over me as the Spirit testified to me that the book was true. I realized that I had known all along, but it had not sunk in like it did that night when I had a prayer and a question answered. This, along with many other sacred and spiritual experiences have let me know that my Heavenly Father loves me and the Christ is truly my Savior.
Each experience confirms to me the simplicity and beauty of the restored gospel that has changed and impacted my life deeply. I am truly grateful for the courage and faith of Joseph Smith that lead him to that grove of trees to pray that spring morning in 1820. When I got to visit that sacred place, I felt that his account was true. The trees and rocks and ground seemed to bear a humble and solemn witness that they had been in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His son. They do, in reality, speak to us and reach out to us in these latter days. Joseph Smith was truly a prophet and Thomas S. Monson, as his successor today, is also a prophet. That fact is so comforting to me, and the divine guidance that he communicates to us from the heavens is one of the many reasons I am a mormon.

How I live my faith

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I am currently living my faith by serving as a full time missionary for the church in the Fresno, California, area. As a missionary I study the scriptures daily and work at understanding the doctrine and deepening my testimony of the Savior. I'm striving to make my prayers more meaningful and more like the personal communication with my Heavenly Father that they should be. I work every day at being more like Jesus Christ, and hope to develop His attributes. I share the things that have changed my life with those I work with and try to help them reach their full potential. But most of all, I try to be obedient and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
I try to be positive and recognize the Lord's hand in my life by being grateful. I've found that things like going to church, giving service, and personal study and meditation go a long way in that.
In the past I have also worked with the handicapped in an extracurricular activities program sponsored by the church, called Mutual. I have helped organize activities for the youth in my own area and have even taught a class.

Why did your church previously practice plural marriage (polygamy)?

Ryan

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I'm a firm believer that God works in misterious ways to accomplish His ultimate purpose "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). We don't always understand the way He works or why He does what He does, but we can trust that He will always do what will be the best for His children. I've heard it explained that God is the author of a great novel, and knows the times, places, people, and events that must happen, and in what order, to bring the plot to fulfillment. So, why did the church previously practice polygamy? I don't know, but I know it was necessary in His divine plan. He instituted it for a brief time through His duly ordained and authorized prophet, and discontinued it in the same manner, all to accomplish His purposes.Show moreShow less

What is the Book of Mormon?

Ryan

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In one word, amazing.
It is truly the word of God, and is a miracle. It was written by prophets anciently upon the American continents. It contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel and is a powerful and convincing evidence that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. It was translated by a prophet through the power and gift of God. Because of that, it is also proof that God does in reality continue to talk with His children, that Joseph Smith was His prophet in these last days, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His authorized and restored church, the Kingdom of God on Earth.
What is the Book of Mormon? A book you should definitely read and treasure.Show moreShow less

Deep down she knew God was there, but a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol prevented Elaine from feeling His presence. Turns out, when she chose to repent, she discovered that the desire to become better takes practice too.

For Mormons, going to church is more than just an hour or two, once a week. The church is a community where there are several organizations for women, youth and so much more. Watch this video to learn more about what the community means to Mormons.